Chapter 328: Chapter 299 Ridiculous...
Wang Shaoji sneered and said, "If you haven’t, then what do these words of yours mean?"
"..."
"The hierarchy is strict, and the same crime cannot be punished in the same way. This is the iron law. These Southern people have long been accustomed to freedom and looseness, lacking discipline. That’s why they are so unrestrained and disrespectful to the emperor. According to your words, if we further encourage their arrogance, in the future, they will not only oppress the Imperial Guard, they will oppress us, and even more, they will oppress Your Majesty!"
Shang Ruyi’s brows furrowed into a knot.
She had long heard that Wang Shaoji, as a close minister, never advised the Emperor against his absurd decrees. Instead, he had the reputation of fanning the flames and assisting evil. Now it seemed that fanning the flames and assisting evil might be too light a description.
His words seemed faultless, but every sentence, every word was inverting truth and falsehood. If Chu Yang really listened to his advice, the Emperor’s prestige in Jiangdu would be completely lost, and it might even lead to a major incident!
However, to argue right from wrong with him not only takes effort but is also utterly meaningless.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi chose not to argue verbally and instead turned to Chu Yang.
She took a deep breath and said seriously, "Your Majesty, Ruyi’s words just now absolutely did not intend to confuse hierarchy, but were entirely for Your Majesty’s sake."
"Oh?"
Chu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly, "How so?"
Shang Ruyi said, "Your Majesty’s tour of Jiangdu Palace, regardless of its duration, has the Old Palace Guards as its duty to guard Jiangdu Palace, while the Imperial Guard protects Your Majesty. Both forces ultimately have the same purpose—they should sincerely cooperate, unite inside and out, and work together as one to ensure Your Majesty’s safety and the safety of Jiangdu Palace."
"..."
"However, if you dispose of them without distinguishing right from wrong, it will inevitably cause division and discord on both sides, which would be—detrimental to Your Majesty."
She deliberately paused in the middle.
And this pause could conjure many associations, and what the Emperor directly thought of must be "safety."
The Old Palace Guards have been stationed at Jiangdu Palace for many years, and they are indeed the most familiar with it. If they become dissatisfied, and should there be any major incidents, it would indeed be troublesome.
Moreover, although Shang Ruyi’s words were very restrained, further contemplation could lead to many thoughts. In fact, he does not care about the truth as long as someone investigates and someone is punished. But this time, Luoyang’s fall had a significant impact on the court officials and the people of the world. If not handled properly, it might cause public resentment.
In the past, Chu Yang never cared about the attitude of the common people, nor about any disloyalty among his subordinates. For him, those who were not at peace and things that were not peaceful could be eradicated with a simple execution.
However, the fall of Luoyang and the rebellion of the Lei family father and daughter made him feel a sense of crisis.
Thinking of this, Chu Yang’s brow furrowed as well.
Wang Shaoji, seeing this situation, hurriedly wanted to say something: "Your Majesty—"
Chu Yang raised a hand, stopping him from speaking.
He looked down at Shang Ruyi, and after a moment, nodded gently and said, "What you said makes sense."
Shang Ruyi said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
And as she spoke these words, cold sweat broke out on her body. She was truly worried just now that Chu Yang would not listen to her words, for if he judged her as overstepping, it would indeed spell disaster.
Fortunately, he listened to those words.
Chu Yang said, "Eunuch, immediately send someone down to investigate and report back promptly."
Eunuch Yu immediately said, "Yes!"
Wang Shaoji furrowed his brows tightly, watching Eunuch Yu turn and leave, gritting his teeth with hatred. But at this moment, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he could only suppress it. After all, he did not dare to speak after the Emperor had already decided.
However, the fire in his heart could not be suppressed.
He turned back to look at Shang Ruyi standing by Chu Yang’s side, a trace of malice flashing in his eyes, and suddenly he smiled and said, "Young Madam indeed has a comprehensive mind; just now, it was my oversight."
Shang Ruyi did not know what scheme he was plotting again, and simply responded coldly, "General Wang overpraises."
Wang Shaoji laughed again and said, "It’s not an overpraise. I’ve always thought that among the civil and military officials of the court, only the Great General is wise, brave, and thorough in thinking, a minister the Emperor can rely on. It is a pity that this time he could not accompany Your Majesty on the southern tour to Jiangdu Palace. To my surprise, the Young Madam is just like your esteemed husband. It seems, indeed, that you are a harmonious couple connected in spirit, even communicating across thousands of miles, truly a pair of natural treasures."
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